Bichon Frise's Health Insurance

Bichon Frises are small dogs with a thick, curly coat and have become increasingly popular as family pets in recent years. They are very cheerful and happy-natured, and very easy to train. Many Bichon Frise dogs do well in dog sports such as agility and Heelwork To Music (or doggy dancing, as it is sometimes known). They get on famously with children and the elderly, and so make a great all-round companion animal.

They are a generally healthy dog breed and have an average lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. The highest percentage of registered deaths in this breed are attributed to old age. However, some 20% of deaths were attributed to cancers including blood cancers such as Auto-immune Hermolytic Anaemia, in which their immune system attacks their red blood cells. Another issue can be Thrombocytopenia, which is when their bodies don’t produce enough platelets in their blood.

It is also known for some Bichon Frises to suffer from liver shunts, due to the blood flow not reaching the liver resulting in shunts on the inside or outside of their liver. Surgery is normally used to treat this condition. Shunts are often associated with old age, although some dogs can inherit the disease. It is always useful to get them checked out at an early age because the earlier this problem is identified the easier it is to treat.

The main illnesses you should be aware of are those linking to the dog's immune systems. Symptoms to look out for include loss of energy and lack of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, pale or yellow gums.